Swim Class Levels

Interested in finding the approrpriate group swim class level?

There are Parent/Me (6 mos – 3 yrs) and Preschool (3 -5 yrs) swim classes. In addition, 6 Learn to Swim levels for children 5+ to adults. Each of the descriptions below indicate what skills taught in each respective class level. Please read the descriptions to help you determine what is the appropriate level. Classes are available for both youth and adults.

Please consult with the Aquatics Department on your appropriate Swim Level as well. They can be reached at [email protected].

Preschool Level 1 & 2: Beginner

• Blowing Bubbles
• Entering & Exiting the pool safely
• Floating (Front & Back) w/ assistance
• Rolling from front to back & back to front w/ assistance
• Flutter Kicking
• Arm Movement
• Bobbing
• Learning to be comfortable & confident in the water
• Put face in the water
• Streamline
• Jumps

Preschool Levels 3 & 4: Intermediate

• Fully Submerge & Hold Breath
• Bobbing
• Combined Arm & Leg Actions on Front
• Combined Arm & Leg Actions on Back
• Front & Back Floating
• Front & Back Gliding
• Treading
• Jumping into the pool by themselves

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

• Blowing Bubbles
• Entering & Exiting the pool safely
• Floating (Front & Back)
• Rolling from front to back & back to front
• Flutter Kicking
• Learning to be comfortable & confident in the water
• Put face in the water
• Streamline
• Jumps

Level 2: Advanced Beginner – Fundamental Aquatic Skills 

• Streamline Kicking (Front & Back)
• Freestyle Arms
• Introduction to Rotary Breathing (side breathing)
• Backstroke Arms
• Elementary Backstroke
• Sitting & Kneeling Dives
• Treading Water
• Jumping into Deep Water

Level 3: Beginner Intermediate – Stoke Development

• Rotary Breathing (side breathing)
• Full Freestyle (1 pool length)
• Full Backstroke (1 pool length)
• Introduction to Breaststroke Kick
• Introduction to Dolphin Kick
• Kneeling & Standing Diving
• Treading Water
• Jumping into Deep Water

Level 4: Advanced Intermediate – Stroke Improvement

• Full Freestyle (2 pool lengths)
• Full Backstroke (2 pool lengths)
• Breaststroke Arms
• Full Breaststroke (1 pool length)
• Dolphin Kick (Butterfly kick)
• Introduction to Butterfly Arms
• Treading Water
• Standing Dive
• Diving off the Block

Level 5: Advanced – Stoke Refinement

• Full Freestyle (4-6 pool lengths)
• Full Backstroke (4-6 pool lengths)
• Full Breaststroke (2-4 pool lengths)
• Dolphin Kick
• Full Butterfly (1-2 pool lengths)
• Flipturns
• Open Turns
• Introduction to Sidestroke
• Diving off the Block

Level 6: Advanced Pro – Fitness Swimming

• Full Freestyle (6-8 pool lengths)
• Full Backstroke (6-8 pool lengths)
• Full Breaststroke  (6-8 pool lengths)
• Full Butterfly (2-4 pool lengths)
• Sidestroke (2-4 pool lengths)
• Backstroke Flipturn
• Racing Dive

For more Aquatics information by phone, call (718) 241-3000 ext. 137 or email [email protected].

Need assistance becoming a member or registering? Check out our Registration Assistance page or contact HES Registration by calling (718) 241-3000 ext. 122 or (718) 241-3000 ext. 131.